SRU keeps the faith in Andy Robinson

Andy ROBINSON has committed to reviving Scotland after their RBS Six Nations whitewash.

Following talks over his future as head coach with Scottish Rugby Union bosses, Robinson, who is under contract until the 2015 Rugby World Cup, has agreed to stay on.

A statement from the SRU read: “(SRU chief executive) Mark Dodson and Andy Robinson met today for discussions following the Six Nations. The discussions were positive and concluded that Andy will continue to lead the Scotland national team with the support of his revised coaching structure.”

Robinson, who was appointed head coach in 2009, entered a period of introspection after a Six Nations campaign which ended with a 13-6 loss to Italy in Rome on March 17 and the wooden spoon. The defeat was Scotland’s 12th in 15 Six Nations matches under Robinson.

It was also Scotland’s seventh successive defeat – the worst sequence of results since 1998 – following the failure to advance from the World Cup group stages for the first time in New Zealand. Scotland’s last Test win was the September 14 defeat of Georgia in Invercargill.

Following the loss to Italy, Robinson was adamant the decision over whether he would stay remained his.

He said: “I’m still contracted until 2015. I’m going away to reflect on the Six Nations and reflect on the future, in terms of the positivity that we have, the players we have and the way forward, and putting a plan together for the way forward.

“There’s a lot to take in in terms of what’s happened and it’s about looking at the future and what’s best for the future.”

With Richie Gray – a British and Irish Lions second row in waiting – flanker Ross Rennie, wing Lee Jones, No. 8 David Denton, full-back Stuart Hogg and other emerging talent at his disposal, Robinson recognises the potential exists for a bright future.

Robinson will now conduct a Six Nations review before leading Scotland on the summer tour of Australia, Samoa and Fiji, with new support staff in place. He recruited Scott Johnson as senior assistant coach and Matt Taylor as defence coach, with Gregor Townsend and Graham Steadman – formerly attack and defence coach, respectively – departing.

Townsend is set to replace Sean Lineen as Glasgow Warriors head coach next season, with Taylor his assistant.